Minister Shaked:

'I will advance 'Beit El Bill' despite opposition'

Justice Minister intends to advance bill obligating government to fulfill its building promises - political considerations notwithstanding.

Uzi Baruch, 02/07/17 11:17

Ayelet Shaked

Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Jewish Home party) announced Sunday morning, that she intends to advance the so-called “Beit El Bill” in the Knesset Legislation Committee despite the Prime Minister’s request that the bill be removed from the agenda.

The bill was proposed by heads of the Knesset’s Land of Israel Lobby MK Yoav Kish (Likud) and MK Betzalel Smotrich (Jewish Home). It calls for promises made following the destruction of homes, as in the cases of residents of Beit El, Migron, and Amona, to be fulfilled immediately - irrespective of other political considerations.

If the bill passes three readings, it will obligate the government and the Prime Minister to quickly fulfill their promises about building in Judea and Samaria.

There are, however, certain ways by which the Prime Minister could prevent the passage of the bill should he wish. He could issue a personal veto or exert pressure so that the bill is withdrawn. Likewise, the Likud party could remove the bill from its agenda. In any event, it is also possible that the bill will fail to achieve a majority of votes in the Legislation Committee.